Having computer issues like system crashes, failed booting or bad performance? This is possibly the case of faulty RAM or hardware incompatibility. To rule out the latter factor, you need to check the specification of your original RAM card and compare it with the one your purchased. More often than not, however, it is necessary to diagnose the RAM card for stability and performance issues. That’s why you’re suggested check out the best 4 free RAM test software for Mac and Windows 10/8/7 in this article.
How to test for bad or faulty RAM on a Mac: How to replace the RAM in your Mac. If repeated tests indicate that something is wrong with your Mac's RAM, it's time to do something about the problem. Rember is actually a GUI for the popular command line memory testing tool called. If your Mac is from 2013 or later, use Apple Diagnostics, which is built into your Mac. If your Mac is from 2012 or earlier and has OS X 10.8.4 or later, use Apple Hardware Test, which is built into your Mac. If your Mac is from 2012 or earlier and has OS X 10.8.3 or earlier, use the system software disc or USB flash drive that came with your Mac.
Computer RAM Diagnostic Troubleshoot
The common symptoms of faulty RAM are beeping of PC, getting overheated unnecessarily and not working up to the desired performance marks. So, if you are facing some real issues, then you should look after them before they cause any problem or loss for you.
As we mentioned, there may be two reasons of this issue to occur. So, if your hardware system is up to the mark and if you think that there is no such issue with its compatibility, then possibly there is a fault in RAM memory card chip. You can consider some of the following points mentioned below:
- First of all, RAM memory cards are made with a perfection and quality by the tech companies. So, if you have purchased RAM from a low-level company, then there is a very high probability that RAM is a defective. Always purchase computer peripherals from named brands of this field like Samsung, Kingston, Corsair, etc.
- There is also a chance that your PC is loaded with outdated processing drivers and chipsets. So, kindly upgrade them to their latest version to use new RAM chip in your PC.
- There is also a probability that the CPU coolers of your PC is not working properly which results in the overheating. Please check the CPU coolers and if they are not working properly.
- Incompatibility of PC’s hardware with the RAM chip may also raise this issue. Because users just purchase RAM of higher memory without analyzing the hardware compatibility of their PC with it, that’s why this issue rises.
- Another very common issue is the lack of knowledge among the users. Sometimes, users insert the RAM chip in the wrong slot which results in this issue. Make sure to insert the RAM chip inside the slot which is reserved for it.
Pro tips: Special attention should be given to the above factors, otherwise data loss could happen once there is system error. If you have unluckily lost precious files, don’t hesitate to use Jihosoft File Recovery Software to recover lost files from Windows 10 or Mac.
In case after testing all the points and measures listed above, if this issue is still persisting you, then you have to test RAM memory. This is so done to access the full detailed report of the memory because we all know that memory is very sensitive and if any part of the memory gets corrupted, then it will make suffer all the PC. So, kindly check your PC’s memory with one of the software listed below:
Top 1. Windows Memory Diagnostic
This is a Microsoft homemade utility since Windows Vista and now still pre-installed in Windows 10. Actually, Windows Memory Diagnostic tool sometimes automatically run the memory check process every time it detects any error or complexity in the memory management. But you can manually check for the memory to detect the error. It might take up to several minutes, but once the error is detected, it will automatically fix the issue if possible. After the scan process is completed, the Windows will automatically get restarted.
To run the memory check process manually, you have to type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search box and then press Enter key. As we mentioned, once the scan process starts, it might take several minutes to finish the things off. So, just be patient and let the errors in the memory to be fixed automatically.
Top 2. MemTest86 – RAM Test Tool for Windows & Mac
This memory diagnostic tool is available for a variety of OS for PC. PC’s with Mac, Linux and Windows OS can use this tool for checking the memory. This is an open source tool which simply means that this tool is available for free for all users. This tool is very compatible and reliable to use because it supports all the latest technology versions like 64-bit processor, GI, XMP, Self-booting from the USB drives or flash drives etc. That’s why it becomes important to note that every time use this tool to check the memory errors, it takes a lot of time.
Another main advantage is that this tool thoroughly checks all the points and runs a variety of tests so that there will be no error left. And that’s why Passmark Mem Test86 is a very good tool to check memory errors.
Top 3. Rember – Memory Test Tool for Mac
First of all, this RAM memory test tool is exclusively available for Mac users. Windows and Linux users are not capable to use this RAM test Mac tool. There are several numbers of tests which this tool runs to check the memory thoroughly. And obviously due to several tests, it might take a long to complete the scan process. And once the scan process is done, your computer will be restarted automatically to fix the issues.
There is a very less chance that the memory chips of MacBook get corrupted or get infected. The chips are made so specially by the Apple company so that if any error occurs, then users can fix that error automatically. And in case if the quantity of errors is more than expected, then just ask for the replacement of memory chip from the Apple customer support.
Top 4. Apple Diagnostics (Apple Hardware Test)
Just like Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, this is a homemade testing tool of Apple which is exclusively available for Mac users. This tool is really a very great way to check all the hardware components as well as memory errors. It will also help you access to the Apple customer care support for further assistance. But before you contact with them, you can try to fix small issues at you own.
This tool will suggest you the fixes which can be done to fix the issues. You can easily fix the issues using this tool. Moreover, the optimized features of this tool are really very amazing to use and access. That’s why this is one of the most popular tools for the Mac users. So, this is our last choice from over several tools which we had selected. We really hope that this tool will surely persist you to accomplish your task.
Conclusion
Here this list of handpicked RAM memory test tools ends. This is not a very big list because this issue rarely occurs if you don’t replace RAM cards. But if you are one of them who is suffering with this issue, then use these tools to fix these issues. But we strongly recommend you analyze your PC’s hardware and compatibility with the RAM memory chip which you are going to purchase. You can leave a reply or can start a discussion below in the comments section. If you encounter with any problem with them, we will surely persist you in the best possible way.
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Mac can be conveniently purchased from the Apple store and most of configuration allows you to upgrade the memory so that you don’t need to open the case and take the risk in using an incompatible memory which would cause system lockups.
The only thing is the upgrade from Apple store cost a lot more money if compared to the one that it purchased from a computer store. For example, an additional 2GB of memory cost $50 at Apple Store while it only cost less than $10 if you search in Pricewatch. If you’re willing to take the risk in adding extra memory in your Mac either to save money or perhaps you have a few lying around, it is best to run a memory test to make sure that the RAM is fully compatible and won’t make your Mac unstable.
Here we suggest 3 different methods to easily run a memory test on your Mac OS X including the latest Mountain Lion 10.8.
1. RemberRember is actually a GUI for the popular command line memory testing tool called Memtest OS X. Instead of typing commands in terminal, you can run the test by clicking a button. You are able to test a selected amount or all of the memory, specify the number of times the tests should run and also viewing of the log. Rember includes Memtest OS X in the package so there is no need to manually download and install the memtest. Running Rember will show a table displaying the detected memory on your Mac. Select the amount of memory to test, number of loops and click the Test button to start checking the memory. When the tests is finished, Rember will show the test results.
Rember runs in Mac OS X which means that not all of the ram can be tested due to a portion of RAM being reserved for housekeeping.
Download Rember
2. Memtest86+
If your Mac has a SuperDrive, you can burn the pre-compiled bootable ISO image of the Memtest86+ and boot up the Mac with the disc. Just press and hold the C key when starting up Mac to boot from the disc.
The good thing about Memtest86+ is it runs by itself without relying on the operating system, giving you a more accurate memory test result.
Download Memtest86+
3. Apple Hardware Test
This is the recommended way by Apple to test your memory using their diagnostic tool. If you have an installation disc, insert the disc, restart your Mac, press and hold the C key. Select the language for the Apple Hardware Test and click the Test button to start testing. You can also tick the “Perform extended testing” option which would perform a more thorough test that takes considerably more time to complete. On the latest Mac OS X Mountain Lion, the Apple Hardware Test is already pre-installed and it doesn’t come with an installation disc. Simply boot up, press and hold the D key to start the Apple Hardware Test.
You can also see the amount of memory installed on your Mac at the Hardware Profile tab to confirm that the memory is correctly installed and detected. There are some Apple Hardware Test images that can be downloaded for older models. Do note that the Apple Hardware Test images are machine specific meaning that you cannot use the iBook version on a Mac Mini.
Download Apple Hardware Test
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ReplyI’m trying to test DRAM one bank at a time in mid-2010 Mac mini with 2 banks of 4GB Kingston DRAM each.
Rember run overnight on max cycles (255) showed when both banks were full (8GB total), there was a DRAM failure. But run overnight on max cycles (255), Rember is so slow it’s completed less than 30 cycles. I tried this twice.
Is it not possible to check one 4GB stick at a time? (Mid-2010 Mac mini standard RAM is 1GB module in each bank for total 2GB.)
ReplyI have several DDR3 DIMMs I want to install, but the memory timing is not printed on them. Is there an app for Macs that can tell you what the timing is on installed DIMMs?
ReplyRember doesn’t shut down existing programs… you do that yerself
ReplyRember is an amazing app! In regards to the comment above:
Does Ram Speed A Mac Up
it closes all windows because to free-up whole RAM memory for tests.
It’s understandable that you must save your work before you open any diagnostic app.
Works great on latest 2019 iMac where Memtest failed and Apple Diagnostic Tool is a JOKE
ReplyRember
I ran this app and it closed all open windows and running apps without asking or warning me. That is bad software. Who knows what data I lost as a result, let alone time in reopening what I can remember was running. memtest does not do this.
ReplyHope this works well, thanks!
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